We spent a dark and stormy night at Monkey Island. The strong wind was buffeting the caravans, the waves were roaring on the beach just a stone’s throw away, and I went to bed worrying about the caravan roof been blown off, a tsunami roaring in to engulf us, or maybe just a king tide to wash us all away. Luckily we survived the night (and the perceived threats to our safety) and woke to a pretty sunrise just peeping over the eastern hills.
Monkey Island is assessable at low tide, so we did an early morning trek over the sandy beach, clambered up a few rocks, climbed the dozen or so steps conveniently cut into the rising ground and reached the top. Our caravans looked a long way away in the distance.
We can categorically say that there are no monkeys on Monkey Island, unless you count this group posing for a photo shoot.
We were soon hitched up and ready for the drive to Manapouri. The rest area at McCraken’s Rest along the coast road had wonderful views over Te Waewae Bay. It also has a plaque which states that this spot is the extreme south-western point of the New Zealand Highway system.
We drove through the little town of Tuatapere, once known as “the hole in the bush” when it was a sawmilling centre for the many bushmen cutting their way through the lowland forests. A large sawmilling business is still in operation, but the town’s main claim to fame is calling themselves the “Sausage Capital” of New Zealand. Tracking down the local butcher we purchased some of the famous Tuatapere sausages to try.
We had read about the historic Clifden suspension bridge so that was our next stop en route. But what’s this we see – it’s a Kune Kune pig, snuffling and snorting and looking for breakfast. Only a mother could love a face like that!
The old Clifden suspension on the Waiau River bridge dates back to 1899. At 115m in length this was the longest span of any bridge in New Zealand, and replaced a punt ferrying people and goods across the river. The bridge remained in use till 1978, when foot traffic was allowed, but is now firmly closed off to pedestrians.
Sight-seeing over, it was back in the 4WD to drive on to our stop for the next couple of nights, at the Manapouri Motor Home and Caravan Park. This park is brand spanking new, with wonderful facilities, and well set out sites surrounded by trees. With friendly welcoming hosts, we are sure to enjoy our time here.
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